The Reader Beat Recap: March 2026

The Reader Beat aims to cover city and county council meetings as well as other important government and community-related meetings. The following is a summary of each meeting for the month of March.

City Council March 4: During the first meeting of the month, public comments addressed the Welcoming City Ordinance and support for Black community members. Constituent Michael Keys expressed uncertainty towards the ordinance, saying that Erie "has a lot of work to do to be welcoming for people who are already here, already paying taxes, and who are struggling." Executive Director of Erie Arts and Culture Susannah Faulkner spoke in support of the ordinance. "We know from policy and governance that when we help the most marginalized, it benefits us all," Faulkner said. The ordinance, which outlines the city's goals to obtain and/or maintain the status as a "Welcoming City," was modified via a friendly amendment to work with other governing bodies in the county, and passed 6-1 with Brzezinski voting no.

Brzezinski called the ordinance "agenda-driven" and expressed concern that the ordinance would prevent police from doing their job effectively. Horton announced that he was excited to support the ordinance. "Part of our oath-taking is that we are ambassadors and should reflect all things good," he said, adding, "this isn't an us vs. them thing between New Americans and Black people. We don't appreciate pitting Black and Brown communities against each other." Council President Titus said that the ordinance is not agenda-driven. "This is a necessary part of our Welcoming City application and it is fiscally responsible."

County Council March 10: The meeting began with two citations, honoring the 4H Club and retiring attorney George Joseph. During public comments, Constituent David Uhlig encouraged council to provide additional funding to those in the Erie community targeted by ICE. "Erie County can resist this cruelty and inhumanity not only by ending our partnership with ICE, but by funding additional legal support to organizations such as the Multicultural Community Resource Center," he said. The first 2026 Drug and Alcohol Fund Budget supplemental appropriation of $156,060 and creation of new line items for additional PA Opioid Response funds passed unanimously.

City Council March 18: Many constituents attended this meeting to share their thoughts and questions during the public hearing about the proposed $32 million Scott Enterprises bayfront hotel to be located just east of the current Hampton Inn & Suites at 130 E. Front St. Those that testified expressed concerns about more private property on the bayfront. "There doesn't seem to be a lot of plans in place to hopefully bring about more public use at the bayfront," Henry Chiapa said. "Furthermore, I am concerned about a hotel project mainly due to the nature of the wages that will be paid to the workers at this facility." Corporate Director Lance Rihn said the starting hourly wage is $15/hour and the Hilton hotel has a low turnover rate for employees. Constituent Paige Bosnyak (40 Under 40 Class of 2015) mentioned the project potentially impeding free and public access to the bayfront for Erie residents. "The water at the bayfront is one of Erie's greatest resources and I passionately believe we need to ensure it is available and accessible to everyone without requirements that they spend money at restaurants or other establishments," Bosnyak said.

Another public hearing was held for a liquor license transfer from The Sandbar Drafthouse & Grille, previously located at 2835 West Lake Road to be used at the restaurant facility on 2104 Hampton Road (the site of the former 21 Hampton Bar & Grill and Helen & Jerry's Place). Some constituents were concerned that the zoning in that neighborhood does not permit a bar. "This is a residential neighborhood. It's zoned residential. This is a non-conforming use in this neighborhood," Freda Tepfer said. Attorney Jim Bruno said that prior to purchasing the property in July 2025, there were no issues with zoning and that a variance had been granted. Councilman Andre Horton asked if the non-conforming use was still viable. The city solicitor recommended Bruno to submit any supplemental details after the hearing and for the zoning office to provide city council with the proper zoning information before making a final decision.

County Council March 24: County Executive Christina Vogel explained that the plan to end the contract with ICE at the Erie County Prison has been implemented and the remaining ICE detainees have been relocated. A resolution approving the two-year Courthouse Café Agreement between the county and Krystal Robinson of Taste and See was moved to a second reading and passed unanimously.

City Council April 1: Constituents addressed the increased cost of living in Erie. Constituent Marty Nwachukwu (40 Under 40 Class of 2019) mentioned the continuing war with Iran and the fuel crisis happening worldwide. "Rent is expensive, utilities have been expensive, healthcare costs are hitting people. There's a lot of things people are having to pay for," Nwachukwu said, referencing that wages in PA have not increased in nearly 10 years. "We need to declare a cost of living crisis not only here in the City of Erie, but here in the county, so that we can go to the state delegation and the governor and ask for funds to be released from the Rainy Day Fund." Following the public hearing on March 18, the resolution to transfer a liquor license from The Sandbar Drafthouse & Grille, previously located at 2835 West Lake Road to be used at the restaurant facility on 2104 Hampton Road passed unanimously. However, city council members expressed their concerns about another bar in the area and emphasized the responsibility of keeping a bar safe in a residential area. "You need security and you need patrons that are being held responsible for their actions," Councilwoman Schaaf said. "We need to hold restaurants, bars, and anyone who has a liquor license accountable. We don't want bad situations for your neighborhood."

Coming up this month:

City Council: April 15 at 6:30 p.m.

County Council: April 21 at 6 p.m.